Little Ms Petunia

Life has its twists and turns, and sometimes it sends you a lovely surprise. This is especially true when you hear about how couples meet under the strangest and most unlikely circumstances.

My surprise came in the form of a Petunia. In fact, she's a lady, pretty and delicate like the flower, yet resilient and determined like her namesake. She's like a burst of sunshine after the rain, soft petals fluttering in the wind, perfect little blooms cascading down the window sill.

We met for the first time at my parent's farm. Having read my blog about the farm life, she longed for a feel of the fresh air, large open space and lush greenery. We became fast friends because we have so much in common. From our hobbies to the philosophy of life, we share pretty much similar views.

Then she treated me to lunch at her lovely abode, my kind of dream apartment with plenty of light and space for growing things. Indeed, she grows lots of herbs and exotic plants valuable to our well-being. She tends to them with such loving kindness, they thrive under her care.

Even the lunch she prepared is something I would cook. A homemade soup made using seven kinds of fresh vegetables, prawn aglio olio made with the freshest seafood, a sweet tangy mango and greens salad, fruit sponge cake and home-made chin chow drink. A light and delicious lunch that leaves one feeling satiated and ready to take on the world.

We didn't do that exactly but what we did was ooh and ahh-ed over her plants scattered across several patio gardens. She has already nurtured some chamomile seedlings for me to bring home, but upon discovering a better one tucked away in the corner, she happily gave it to me. Such kind of generosity simply oozes out from Little Miss Petunia.

She gladly shares the dandelion seeds sent by her Australian friend so I could create a little dandelion patch in my patio too. Then she insists I must bring home some dried dandelion roots to brew into a black tea which is great for detoxing my body.

We sat in the cool and quiet study, exchanging views about motherhood, gardening and life in general. She sat there, her soft flowing hair glistening under the light, face unlined and so pretty, so young like a little girl, yet so wise and full of knowledge like a sage. Her expressive face brightens up as she speaks, so lively and sincere, it warms your heart.

A delightful afternoon such as this eases into evening without warning. When conversation flows easily and we're chatting like soul sisters, time is not of essence. In fact, we wish the afternoon would never end. Reluctantly we parted, after several false goodbyes. We'll meet again soon, that I am sure.